Rafizi's allegation always targeting me: Shahrizat

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Former women, family and community development minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil maintained her stand at the High Court here today, that Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) strategic director Mohd Rafizi Ramli's allegation was always targeted at her.

Quizzed by Mohd Rafizi's counsel, Ranjit Singh, the Wanita Umno chief had several times did not agree to the counsel's suggestion that Mohd Rafizi's allegation was made against the National Feedlot Corporation (NFCorp), her husband and family, and not primarily at her.

"No, I do not agree with the counsel's suggestions. I maintain that the target is me," replied Shahrizat when Ranjit suggested that the statements were not targeted primarily on her.

Referring to one of Mohd Rafizi's statements, Ranjit said the reason why his client wanted Shahrizat to apologise to Malaysians over the NFCorp issue was based on her responsibility as minister and Wanita Umno leader.

Shahrizat replied firmly that "I would apologise if I have done wrong. Nobody asked the president of Parti Keadilan to apologise for the action of her husband."

She said this when testifying in her suit against PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin and Mohd Rafizi, which was filed on Jan 19, last year, over an alleged defamatory statement the duo had made about her on the NFCorp issue.

She is seeking RM100 million in general, exemplary and aggravated damages. She has also applied for an injunction to prevent the defendants from issuing the statement concerned, either verbally or in print, against her, NFCorp or its associate companies.

Questioned further on the awarding of the project given to NFCorp, Shahrizat said she had nothing to do with the awarding.

"Nobody discussed with me about it, it was also never brought to the Cabinet meeting, and (has) nothing to do with my portfolio," she said, dismissing the allegation that she was involved in the award.

Shahrizat also said that as a result of Mohd Rafizi's statement, she had requested the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate her over the matter.

Replying to Ranjit's question, the former minister said she was also aware of the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz car worth over RM500,000 on Dec 9, 2009, using NFCorp funds.

She explained that there were four directors and they bought the Mercedes-Benz as company car and they had paid down payment on hire purchase.

To another question, Shahrizat said she knew of the purchase of three units of condominium in Singapore under her family's name.

The hearing before Judicial Commissioner Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera continues on April 10 and 11